Over the course of four years, senior Ivan Ho has helped the Boys Varsity Fencing team at Townsend Harris High School finish top three each year in their division standings. Coming off of a strong senior season, during which he took on the roles of team anchor and captain, Ivan spoke to The Classic and reflected on his high school fencing career.
Ivan first began fencing at the age of 12, right before the COVID-19 pandemic. “I began fencing because I wanted to try out another sport, and it piqued my interest enough for me to join a fencing club and want to learn more,” he said.
Ivan said, “When I began high school, I was introduced to a new community of fencers outside of my club. I began learning from my old captain and new teammates as they all had different perspectives and experiences.”
Subsequently, Ivan decided to join a new fencing club outside of school in order to continue honing his skills for a newly discovered passion. He described this switch of clubs as a “graduation from high school to college.” He credits this new club with helping him learn new skills and become the fencer he is today.
When asked to reflect on his high school fencing career, Ivan shared some memories and regrets from over the years. “My favorite memory by far is when we finally beat Cardozo’s anchor in my junior year. I gave him his first-ever loss in his PSAL career, and I think it was that achievement that made me realize I deserved the anchor role on our team.”
“I have only one regret in my four years of fencing, and it is never winning a banner for my team and school,” said Ivan. “The outcome of wanting to win a banner was that I learned how to grow stronger and stay disciplined. I also learned how to be a semi-good team leader and make good decisions for the betterment of the team instead of myself.”
Ivan shared that his desire to be captain first began with the retirement of former head coach Chris Hackney. “I always wanted to lead the team, and when our old head coach retired, I figured that someone had to step up and help lead the team.”
While speaking to The Classic, Physical Education teacher and Boys Varsity Fencing team head coach Diane Ramirez discussed what went into selecting Ivan as captain. She said, “Ivan has been a captain since his junior year. It was a very easy decision, based mainly on his dominance of the sport, ability to help his teammates, and great vision for what is working and what needs improvement.”
Additionally, Coach Ramirez expressed high praise for Ivan, highlighting his athletic and personal development over the years and the course of this season. “Ivan had the main captain responsibility this season, something that I think made him a little nervous at first,” she said. “The beginning of the season was a little rocky for him, he had to learn how to be a leader, how to demand respect and productivity without being overbearing or ill-tempered. However, I think towards the middle of the season he found his groove and was someone the team looked up to.”
Ivan’s teammates shared similar praise and respect for their senior captain. “Ivan has only become a better leader with time. His skill, teaching methods, and understanding of strategy have greatly improved,” said junior Lucas Phildor. “He coached the epee team well with specific tips and managed the goings on of the entire team expertly.”
Similarly, junior Hudson Bell said, “Ivan has done a great job in leading the team, both in training us as starters and training the rookies. Despite adversity and challenges, he remained positive and did everything he could to ensure our success as a team.”
When asked about his future with fencing, Ivan discussed his plans to pursue fencing after high school. “Fencing is something I will try to take with me beyond high school and college. I have fenced for one-third of my living existence, so I want to try new things while also continuing to enjoy the sport.”
“As a fencer, Ivan’s best season was his junior season. He was fencing both club and PSAL and was a dominant force in the PSAL,” said Coach Ramirez. “This senior season was not quite as fruitful on the strip but as a leader and person, Ivan was more successful and showed a lot of growth, which in the game of life is much more important.”
